Monsoon is here and caring for skin becomes even more important. While caring for our face and hair become our priorities, our hands and feet usually take the back seat.
However, since our hands and feet are the most exposed parts of our body during this season, they cannot be ignored.
Here’s a monsoon hands and feet care guide to ensure you’re keeping them clean, supple, and infection-free!
Cleanse To Remove Impurities
With moisture levels at their peak, it’s open season for bacteria and parasites. Although washing our hands and feet every time we’re back home from the outdoors is a given, doing so with water alone is not enough. Those TV adverts promoting hand washing aren’t for nothing! Take a cue and make it a point to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infections. And not just your hands; with your feet bearing the brunt of both humidity and stagnant water, it’s a must to give them the same treatment. If you have open cuts or wounds on your feet, you must take special care to keep your feet clean and dry at all times.
Use A Moisturiser
While washing is a must, so is a post-cleansing regime. Since water, both outdoors and indoors (after you’ve washed) affects your skin’s natural moisture barrier, it’s important to replenish. Invest in a nourishing hand and foot care cream. However, pay extra care when you’re moisturising your feet. Apply the cream only around dry areas like the heel as the region between the toes may be susceptible to fungal infections with exposure to excessive moisture. Try an anti-fungal powder instead around the area and keep it dry.
Exfoliate With Gentle Scrubs
Exfoliating dead skin cells and debris is a must during monsoon. It not only extracts impurities but also leaves your skin feeling supple. The best scrubs are those that are gentle on your skin. Pick a gentle exfoliant with natural extracts and massage into areas like your heels and the back of your palm. Use slow circular motions and do not rub too hard. Avoid hot water as it may leave your skin feeling dry, making it more vulnerable to cracking and eventually infections.
Keep Your Nail Cutter Handy
Long, shaped nails are better off tamed in the monsoons. Nails, both on your fingers and toes can be the ideal breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Simply washing your hands and feet cannot help you get rid of these microorganisms as they often hold on to areas under your nails that are hard to access. Make sure both your finger and toenails are clipped to prevent dirt and germs from accumulating. Make a nail cutter a mainstay in your monsoon foot care kit.
Wear The Right Footwear
Puddles and running water on streets aren’t a rare sight during monsoon. Put your suede’s, leather, canvas and sneakers to rest during this season since wearing footwear that is not waterproof can expose your feet to unclean water. While purchasing footwear for monsoon, ensure you select gumboots, so water stays out and your feet remain dry. You could alternately opt for waterproof strappy sandals. If you choose the latter, make it a point to wash your feet once you’re indoors.
Stack Your Bag With Napkins
Traversing from one wet zone to another is not uncommon in monsoon. Minimise your risk of infections by keeping your hands and feet dry after they’ve been exposed to water. Keep a set of napkins handy for the purpose. If you’ve been commuting to office and back, use these to dry your feet if they’ve become overly wet during the journey.
Keep your hands and feet supple and free from infection this monsoon with our list of tips. Start by stocking up your skin care kit with all the essentials, including the best foot scrubs, hand and foot creams, foot care kits, and more!
You can now shop from our store anytime and from anywhere, just download our mobile app and get started – Android Users Download App HERE iOS Users Download App HEREClick here to
